Wow, been a while. Entered contests, won a few, got a full request from Samhain. Went to Nationals in NY! What a blast. Pitched to agents and editors-and got a full request. Needless to say, I'm stoked. Being a wannabe author is a rollercoaster ride. I am diligently checking my email (several times a day). Making sure I comment on blogs and FB chatter. Now I have my Twitter account up and running. It'll probably take several hours a day to check all these things (and play the gaming apps). The games help me think, I swear. Everyday!

So how do you unwind when your mind is full to choking and you can't get it unclogged?Raven

One good way I've discovered to clear my mind is music.
*NO TV on and if possible NO KIDS to distract*
I created an account on Pandora (an online music feed) and made several types of "stations" to listen to. I pick the genre and add a few examples of the songs I like, then Pandora adds to it for me.
When I'm writing and need to get "in the zone", I usually choose Beethoven or Claude Debussy then I'm good to go.
The key is finding what's right for you.
Good luck and enjoy your relax time!!
If all else fails... margaritas tend to alleviate a great deal of unnecessary brain clutter! LOL!

Raven

7/19/2011

Thanks, Robin. I listen to Breaking Benjamin to get 'in the zone' but a margarita sounds good right about now, too. Mmmm...

If I needed something to get me in the zone, I'd be in bad shape. I write anywhere, any time, under any circumstances...but then again...I write to stay sane!

Stacey Purcell

7/20/2011

I do what Robin does! Pandora is one of my keys to letting the words flow. I have to make sure it's either music I don't know or has no words. If I know the song then I start singing along and there goes the writing!
I also enjoy a good glass of red wine in the evening or a rum and coke. Relaxed, I find the ideas turn to words much easier. I also utter enchanted words and all of my family are frozen until I'm done! Of course, that only works after 2 glasses of wine!!!

Raven

7/20/2011

Tess: I need to be where you are!

Stacey: I'm clearly not imbibing enough to get that enchantment to work. (opening bottle of red wine)

I jog! Several times a week. And I hate jogging, so that tells you I'm pretty darned stressed.

I also like word puzzles, soduku, and sometimes playing my daughter's computer games.

BTW - you're not a wannabe. And CONGRATS on all your contest wins and requests.

Raven

7/20/2011

Hi Bethany, thanks for stopping by. Most times telling myself it's time to work works for me. Right now my brain feels like a corked bottle.

Raven

Raven

7/20/2011

Hi Meb,
Congrats on epubbing. Very scary monster-Ooo, I made a pun. Anyway, playing Bejeweled Blitz helps, too. A lot of frenzy there.

Raven

Raven

7/20/2011

Jenn!

Thanks for not viewing me as a wannabe. And congrats on the epubbing and signing a contract... I bask in your aura. (cue Angels singing) Jogging? Really? Word games and sudoku ok, jogging? I'd sweat. (shudders)

First let me gently correct you, Raven, and you, Suzan. *g* Women do NOT perspire. I'm from the South, and I can remember hearing this from the older generation: "Animals sweat, women blossom, and men perspire."

So, when you jog, remember that you're blossoming.

Re: getting the words to flow. I find that the more one writes, the more the words flow. It's like turning on the hot water tap. If it's been a while since you turned it on, you don't get hot water. You get cold water that gradually warms. However, if you turn on that baby all the time, it always runs hot.

Best wishes,
Joan Reeves

Raven

7/21/2011

Suzan: Oh yeah, I forgot. (slapping forhead)

Joan: Women 'blossom'-I like that! It's those times when I have so much in there I can't get it organized and write it down so I can understand it. I think the blogging helps.